Kelly Reemtsen. Objective (being an Object Hold an Object)

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The woman, the housewife, the strong gender (female empowerment) and independence are themes for this summer's exhibition Objective (being an Object Hold an Object) . Reemtsen has, in a simple language, combined with brave titles and strong contrast colors created a series of textured paintings as well as a series of photogravures and screenprints, all of which explore our social understanding and the definition of the modern woman, her role and position.
 
Reemtsens well-formed women in beautiful and elegant vintage dresses and scaffolds are depicted without head; anonymous and with what has traditionally been perceived as a masculine, aggressive tool (ax, wrench, chainsaw and hammer) in hand. Faced with the monochrome white background, the exhibited works are a kind of female hero, pointing to the understanding that the woman today can radiate elegance - be feminine in the broadest sense of the word - while being very hard working - strong. The works as a kind of resistance examine the rights, safety and health of modern women. 
 
Exhibition title Objective (being an object hold and object) also refers to a double-sided and investigative thought of the woman's placement in society with gender and gender equality debate as a supporting element. On the one hand, the locked, passive and objectiveized woman (the pretty home-made housewife we ​​know from the 1950s, Hollywood) and on the other hand, the actionable, self-employed and released, educated, modern woman in 2018 is shaped by today's demands, opportunities and rights. The works Rise Above (2018) and Leg Up(2018), where the woman - active and merchant - rises on a ladder and a stool, further investigates the idea of ​​the breach of what Reemtsen refers to as the metaphorical glass ceiling - the woman's limitations - and her desire to reach new personal and professional heights. The paintings are a kind of confirmation that through hard work and the right tools, potentials and goals can be reached and barriers and patterns broken. But it requires courage and action. At the same time, the artistic grip, where the heads are cut away, cause the viewer to be left with a mystery and curiosity to know more and even even seeking new goals.